Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Penang
Here’s something you can’t say about every market: this one is both classy and grungy. Set on the beachfront of Batu Ferringhi, you can drop by its swanky beach bars with live bands or navigate your way through an endless stretch of food and souvenir vendors so closely packed that you’ll be jostling for breathing space.
Jonker Walk Night Market, Melaka
There’s food, and then there’s Malaysian food. Set in the historical, often-overlooked city of Malacca, Jonker Walk is a nightly culmination of flavour-bursting delights like cendol (sweet iced dessert with coconut milk), chicken rice balls and Peranakan-style popiah (paper-thin roll with sliced turnip). Thanks to the Malaysian spirit of experimentation, Jonker Walk will also surprise you with Nyonya curry takoyaki (inspired by the Japanese wheat-based snack) and deep fried ice cream not unlike Glasgow’s pride and joy.
Wakaf Che Yeh Pasar Malam, Kelantan
If you’re looking for a local Malay experience peppered with a little Thai influence, take a trip out east to the Wakaf Che Yeh night market in Kota Bharu. The usual array of bargain hunts are even cheaper here than in other parts of Malaysia, and in shockingly abundant quantities too. It’s the place to hit for kain pasang (loose fabric to create baju kurung, the traditional Malay wear), denim jeans and spicy Thai food.
Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
Come hell or high water – or just rain water – the Central Market is here to stay. Thanks to its well-maintained interiors, this arts and crafts bazaar is gloriously dry, even though its art is anything but. From large Impressionist-style paintings to locket-sized embroidery, the goods here are a triumph of Kuala Lumpur’s fierce protection of the arts. The 120-year-old market has also been classified as a Heritage Site by the National Heritage Department.
Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur
There are two places every shopaholic needs to visit in Kuala Lumpur – Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street, and the latter’s where the affordable stuff is. Hundreds of vendors set up shop in front of restaurants and banks, which are surprisingly uncomplaining about their lack of shopfront monopoly. Everything from imitation Gap t-shirts to bling’d-out phone covers can be yours for a small wad of cash – even smaller if you’re willing to haggle.